Black Oak Hall is CSUSM’s fourth housing community, and Kwíila Dining is the university’s second dining facility. Kwíila, the Luiseño word for “acorn,” was chosen to honor the local tribal heritage and the land on which CSUSM resides.

More than 200 people – including local and state dignitaries, CSUSM Foundation Board members, students, faculty, staff, and construction officials – attended the ceremony.

Located at 303 Campus View Drive, the seven-story Black Oak Hall features 555 beds – 390 of which are considered affordable thanks to funding from the Higher Education Student Housing Grant program established by Senate Bill 169. Just steps away, the 10,000-square-foot Kwíila Dining will serve a variety of locally sourced foods and allow students to foster connection outside of class. 

The project also reflects CSUSM's commitment to sustainability, from its LEED Gold certification ambition and renewable energy systems to the use of native landscaping and sustainable building materials. 

President Ellen Neufeldt said the project will serve CSUSM students – more than half of whom are the first in their families to attend college – while advancing the university's mission of social mobility. 

“When housing is affordable, close to campus and connected to a supportive community, students have more time to study, participate in campus life, build relationships with faculty and peers, and ultimately persist to graduation,” Neufeldt said during the ceremony. “That is why today's celebration matters.” 

In addition to Neufeldt, others who spoke were Tristan Bugnot, president of Associated Students, Inc.; Patrick Henning, chief deputy treasurer in the State Treasurer’s Office; San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones; Viridiana Diaz, CSUSM's vice president for Student Affairs; Richard King of project designer Gensler and Eric Halverson of builder McCarthy Building Companies; Deanne Ellison, associate vice president of business development and executive director of the CSUSM Corporation; and Travis Douglas, executive director of CSUSM Housing and Residential Education.

The emcee of the ceremony was Leon Wyden Jr., CSUSM's vice president of Finance and Administrative Services and chief financial officer.

During her speech, Jones issued a proclamation in support of the housing and dining project. After the ribbon-cutting, guests were invited into Kwíila Dining for the first meal, with food provided by Sodexo, the vendor for the facility. Students gave tours of the new dorm rooms in Black Oak Hall.

The project was funded in part by $91 million received from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature.

Construction on the site of a former parking lot for University Village Apartments, CSUSM’s original housing complex, began in 2024. Students will begin moving in later this month.

Bugnot said the new facility perfectly illustrates CSUSM's culture of care, which was a big part of the reason why he chose to attend the university over other institutions.

“As ASI president, I think a lot about what students need in order to thrive,” he said. “Students need access. Students need affordability. Students need spaces that make them feel seen and supported. Black Oak Hall and Kwíila Dining move us closer to that vision. We are creating something that you probably can’t get anywhere else in the world: the San Marcos experience.”

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

President Ellen Neufeldt expressed excitement and optimism about the new academic year during her annual convocation address to faculty and staff last Thursday.

“As we think about the start of school, in this moment in time – now more than ever – it is important that we remember why we are here,” Neufeldt said. “Why we show up. Why we keep going. We believe in the power and the promise of higher education. And we believe in the mission of this university.” 

Neufeldt highlighted many of the university’s achievements over the past year, while also looking ahead to what is in store. That includes CSUSM’s fundraising campaign, the largest capital campaign in university history.  

The campaign aims to raise $200 million through philanthropic support and sponsored research to expand programs, fund scholarships, advance faculty work and strengthen the infrastructure that drives social mobility and lifts the entire region.  

“This is not just about dollars,” Neufeldt said. “It’s about lasting impact.” 

New science building

On July 31, CSUSM broke ground on its future Integrated Science and Engineering (ISE) Building, which will allow the university to respond to the critical need for STEM programs, including new engineering majors and enrollment growth.

The ISE building is estimated to cost $110 million and will be funded through commitments from California State University and private support. It will cover more than 70,000 square feet over three stories. The first publicly funded academic structure on campus in more than a decade, it’s expected to open in fall 2027.

Name for new housing project

The new University Village Housing and Dining Project, which is expected to be ready in time for the fall 2026 semester, has been formally named Black Oak Hall and Kwíila Dining.

The names were determined following thoughtful input from a campus naming committee and student representatives. Kwíila is the Luiseño word for “acorn” and was chosen to honor the local tribal heritage and the land on which CSUSM resides.

CSUSM named to best colleges list 

CSUSM was named to the “Best Colleges in America 2025” list by Money magazine. CSUSM received a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.

The list, which includes 732 colleges, showcases the country’s top values, based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.

Weeks of Welcome

The annual Weeks of Welcome, which started Aug. 22, includes dozens of events for students to meet new people and kick off the academic year.

Visit the Weeks of Welcome calendar for a complete schedule.

Arts & Lectures for fall

The university’s longstanding Arts & Lectures series recently released its fall lineup. This season boasts a diverse selection of five events.

Attendees can reserve tickets online via the Arts & Lectures website.

Summer highlights

• CSUSM was selected for the third straight year as an Angeles Higher Education Impact Award honoree.
• A new master’s degree program in clinical counseling psychology was approved by the CSU Chancellor’s Office to accept applications this fall.
• Edward Mills was appointed as interim chief enrollment officer, beginning his tenure on July 28.
• Cinthya Ippoliti started in her position as the new dean for the University Library on July 1.
• Two alumni were selected for the CSU Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program, also known as CDIP, for the incoming 2025-26 cohort. 
• Surfer and business student Tanner Vodraska captured his second consecutive national title at the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) Interscholastic Championships.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The QUAD, which houses more than 850 students, opened in fall 2012 after CSUSM collaborated with a private partner to build suite-style units.

Other CSUSM housing communities include University Village Apartments, which opened in 2003 and houses nearly 700 students, and North Commons, which opened in fall 2022 and houses more than 350 residents.

Construction is underway on a fourth housing community that is expected to open in time for the fall 2026 semester. The 137,000-square-foot project includes Black Oak Hall for more than 550 residents and Kwiila Dining, a 10,000-square-foot dining facility. 

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The names were determined following thoughtful input from a campus naming committee and student representatives. Kwíila is the Luiseño word for “acorn” and was chosen to honor the local tribal heritage and the land on which CSUSM resides.

The naming committee included Travis Douglas, executive director of Housing & Residential Education; Deanne Ellison, executive director/associate vice president of business development for CSUSM Corporation; Mejaumi Franco-Rosales, tribal liaison; Elaine Pollard, president of Associated Students, Inc.; Kaira Schafer, student building assistant for CSUSM Corporation; Jason Schreiber, dean of students; and Rayanne Weber, director of Planning, Design and Construction. The committee also consulted with Noah Lozano on proper Luiseño pronunciation and spelling.

The committee sought names that reflected CSUSM’s natural surroundings, honored its history and, if appropriate, incorporated Luiseño language.

The committee consulted with ASI, the Residence Hall Council and the resident community to survey their top choices. After gathering input, the committee presented the top two naming choices to the President’s Administrative Team before Black Oak Hall and Kwíila Dining were selected.

Construction on the 2.5-acre site began in January 2024. The 137,000-square-foot project is being built on what was formerly Parking Lot O. It features a three-wing configuration to create gathering spaces and student life areas.  

The seven-story residence hall – which includes a 10,000-square-foot dining facility – will have 555 beds, providing affordable housing for underserved, low-income students. 

The project is being funded in part by $91 million received from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature.

Once completed, the project will expand access to affordable, on-campus housing while reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to student success.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

A topping-out ceremony typically marks the placement of the last or highest steel beam.  

Construction on the 2.5-acre site began in January 2024 and is expected to be complete in fall 2026. The 137,000-square-foot UVHD is being built on what was formerly Parking Lot O. It features a three-wing configuration to create gathering spaces and student life areas.  

The seven-story residence hall – which includes a 10,000-square-foot, two-story dining facility – will have 555 beds, providing affordable housing for underserved, low-income students. 

“We are breaking down barriers to higher education and making it possible for more students to stay focused on their studies and thrive,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said at the event. “From pod-style communities that foster belonging to all-gender restrooms, study and social spaces, and secure, modern designs, this is more than just a place to live – it’s a place to grow, connect and succeed.” 

Leon Wyden, CSUSM’s vice president for Finance and Administrative Services and chief financial officer, served as the event emcee and welcomed San Marcos councilmembers Danielle LeBlang and Ed Musgrove, who presented a certificate of recognition from the City of San Marcos.  

The UVHD project is being funded in part by $91 million received from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature.  

“Today, as we celebrate reaching the highest point of construction, we pause to recognize the incredible teamwork and dedication that got us here,” Wyden said.  

Partners on the project include McCarthy Building Companies and Gensler. Wyden also thanked the trades teams and contractors, including Nevell Group Inc. (framing), Critchfield Mechanical Inc. (mechanical), Bergelectric Corp. (electrical), A.O. Reed & Co. (plumbing), Kimble and Company (fire protection) and Sunset Glazing (glazing systems). 

Wyden also credited university partners, including Planning, Design and Construction, Student Affairs, Housing and CSUSM Corporation. 

“Today’s topping-out ceremony isn’t just about celebrating a structure that has reached its highest point,” Neufeldt said. “It’s about the heights we are helping our students reach because of this project.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The event was organized similar to a college fair, with 30 tables filled with faculty and staff who helped educate prospective transfer students about CSUSM. This is the first time that CSUSM's four colleges have collaborated for an exclusive event like this. Various organizations from CSUSM were present, including Housing, the Office of Financial Aid, and New Student and Family Programs. Members of the sociology department also visited classrooms to engage with Mesa students.

Prospective students attending were encouraged to meet with representatives, faculty members and Crash, CSUSM's mascot. The event was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about CSUSM and show why students should continue their education at the university. 

“CSUSM Day at San Diego Mesa College was an incredible success, and I am immensely proud of our CSUSM community,” said Christina Montell, CSUSM's admissions adviser, who organized the event. “This event provided an outstanding opportunity to not just connect with San Diego Mesa College students, but also Mesa organizations and faculty, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared goals. I am excited about the future partnerships and pathways this event has opened up. It was truly inspiring to see the commitment to education and community from both CSUSM and San Diego Mesa College. ”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The awards honor a staff and a faculty member for their contribution toward the achievement of the university's mission and demonstrated service to the campus community.

Romo, the resident director of North Commons, previously worked at campus housing during her time as a student at CSUSM. She was a resident adviser in CSUSM Housing & Residential Education in 2016, and a senior RA for the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 academic years. During that time, Romo led conversations and programs that focused on personal development and cultural differences. In 2021, Romo returned to CSUSM as resident director of North Commons, the first-year-only on-campus housing. She works alongside the Residential Learning Communities and Residential Peer Mentors (RPM) and, through her personal approach, encourages them to become trusted mentors who help develop a stronger community. 

Romo recognized the need for intentional engagement and crafted initiatives that helped improve the RPM program and empower students to thrive academically and personally. 

Garcia, a biology professor and the director of CTREE, has brought in millions of dollars in external funding to CSUSM. In addition, she is an effective grant writer and offers formal and informal training for junior faculty on grant writing and acquisition of external funding. Garcia seeks out grants and other forms of support to ensure that students are supported through mentoring, access to resources and that they receive funding to support their research and education. Garcia supports undergraduate students by helping them with networking opportunities and by providing funding through her training grants, allowing students and their mentors to attend conferences to help advance students' professional development.

Garcia’s work and the work of CTREE was recently recognized by the National Institutes of Health where CSUSM was recognized along with nine other universities as recipients for Institutional Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Biomedical and Behavioral Research.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The groundbreaking ceremony for the University Village Student Success Housing and Dining Project took place in the parking lot of University Village Apartments, one of three existing housing facilities at CSUSM. Over the next 2½ years, the site will be transformed into a complex that features space for 550 additional student residents and a 10,000-square-foot dining hall that will provide affordable meal plans for students.

“We all try every day to remove obstacles our students face in their pursuit of higher education, because worrying about rising rent costs or not knowing where your next meal may come from has an impact on a student’s academic and personal success,” President Ellen Neufeldt said during the event. “Here at CSUSM, we are dedicated to meeting those basic needs for all our students, and this project is a testament to that commitment.

“Given the rising costs of living across our region, the University Village Student Success Housing and Dining Project is vital to ensuring the success of our first-year students as they get acclimated to college life and living on their own. Research has shown that students are more likely to succeed if they are living on campus, but we must make sure cost-effective opportunities are available to students who need it most.”

Neufeldt was joined at the event Friday by other CSUSM administrators; Moy Valdez, president of Associated Students, Inc.; and numerous public officials and their representatives.

The ceremony began with a traditional tribal blessing by Chris Devers of the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians.

The groundbreaking comes a little over a year after CSUSM opened North Commons, its third housing facility, and Campus Way Cafe, its first dining hall. The new University Village project, scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026, will increase the student housing capacity on campus to more than 2,500.

The project is being funded in part by $91 million that CSUSM received from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature in their 2022-23 budget. Of the $497 million allocated for student housing projects on nine California State University campuses, CSUSM was given the second-highest amount.

Valdez said he was inspired to join ASI because of CSUSM’s commitment to the on-campus experience for students, which he believes will be amplified by the new housing and dining project.

“Everyone at ASI has put so much time and effort into new housing projects, such as this one, as we see it as a new avenue for students to come onto campus, get connected with the established student life, and hopefully one day find the passion to represent future students as we did,” Valdez said.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Move-in days took place Thursday and Friday at three locations: University Village Apartments, The QUAD and North Commons. A record number of students applied for housing this year.

Among those in attendance for move-in were CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt, Vice President for Student Affairs Viridiana Diaz and Dean of Students Jason Schreiber. 

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The University Village Student Success (UVSS) Housing and Dining Project will construct a 205,200-square-foot traditional student housing community with space for 600 residents along with a 19,481-square-foot dining hall with affordable meal plans and seating for 320. The ground-breaking for the facility is tentatively scheduled for February 2024.  

The project is designed to reduce overall costs for students and thereby increase access to an education at CSUSM. It also will help support the smart-growth and environmental goals of the university and San Marcos by reducing student commutes from across the county and beyond.  

The project will be funded in part by $91 million that CSUSM is receiving from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature in their $300 billion budget for 2022-23. Of the $497 million being allocated for student housing projects on nine California State University campuses, CSUSM is being given the second-highest amount.  

The UVSS construction will follow on the heels of new student housing and dining that are opening this year. North Commons, which opened for the start of the fall semester on Aug. 29, houses 332 students in the North City development across from CSUSM. Also in North City is Campus Way Cafe, an 8,000-square-foot dining hall that will open in September.  

The UVSS project will establish a true first-year residential housing program geared toward acclimating students to university life. Ample space will be provided for administrative offices, living-learning classrooms and community rooms, and spaces to support basic needs programing such as a mental health liaison, a registered dietician and staff support. 

CSUSM will make a commitment to offer available housing at UVSS to low-income students. Fifty-five percent of CSUSM students are first-generation college students, while 44% have an exceptional financial need. 

“We’re excited to bring forward a transformative project that will set a new standard for affordable student residential living, representing a significant step in addressing student basic needs and helping our students of all backgrounds thrive academically and personally,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said.  “Student housing is an integral part of the student experience, and it can have a profound impact on academic and lifelong success. This project will ensure that more future CSUSM students will have that opportunity – a key component of our institutional mission of student success."

CSUSM is experiencing tremendous demand for additional housing, especially due to the high cost of living in the San Diego region. Off-campus housing costs have made local housing unattainable for many, especially underrepresented minorities and first-generation students. A recent institutional demand study revealed an ongoing demand of 571 beds based on current enrollment and a projected demand of 868 beds based on an increased enrollment of 20,000 students.  

Until this year, CSUSM’s housing capacity was 1,547, less than 10% of the university’s student population. The University Village Apartments, built in 2003 as CSUSM’s first on-campus housing complex, features space for 681 residents. The QUAD, which opened in 2013 after CSUSM collaborated with a private partner to build suite-style units (like UVA), houses 866.  When UVSS is completed, the capacity figure will rise to more than 15% of the student population.  

For many students, however, a true residential experience is often viewed as an option only for those with the financial means to make it a reality.  

“Students should never have to decide between paying for rent or school supplies, or decide which utilities or basic needs they can live without while pursuing their dreams of becoming a teacher, nurse, scientist or entrepreneur,” said Jason Schreiber, CSUSM’s dean of students. “This new project will result in a clear public benefit, providing low-cost student housing and reduced rents so that students can focus their attention where it matters: their hopes and dreams for the future.” 

The seven-story North Commons, designed for first-year students, is the second housing complex that CSUSM has built in partnership with Sea Breeze Properties, LLC, the developer of the North City project across Barham Drive from campus.  

The move-in date for the 332 new residents of North Commons is Friday, Aug. 26. The first day of the fall semester at CSUSM is Monday, Aug. 29.  

“We are excited for the opening of North Commons as another step in line with the vision and mission of Cal State San Marcos,” said Jeremy Williamson, CSUSM’s director of facilities and operations. “The unique partnership between CSUSM and North City provides an amazing opportunity for CSUSM students to experience state-of-the-art, modern-day college living in the vibrant, up-and-coming city of San Marcos. In collaboration with campus partners, this new community will cater to our first-year students through intentional programming efforts, modern meeting spaces, a recreational space and a classroom on site for added convenience. We can’t wait for students and families to move into North Commons this fall. We know it will be an unforgettable experience.” 

The opening of North Commons will go hand in hand with that of CSUSM’s first student dining hall. Campus Way Cafe, scheduled to open in September, features more than 8,000 square feet of dining space located on the ground floor of The QUAD housing facility. Built to accommodate 124 students indoors and 76 students outdoors, the cafe will focus on offering healthier food options and balanced meals.  

“The Campus Way Cafe is a transformational project for CSUSM and a critical step toward building a complete residential life experience for our campus community,” said Will Marchese, executive director of the CSUSM Corporation. “Uniquely situated at the edge of North City and campus, the Campus Way Cafe will deliver an exciting and vibrant dining experience that will undoubtedly enhance the living-learning experience for our students. We couldn’t be more excited about this project and what it means to CSUSM.” 

The addition of North Commons brings CSUSM’s total housing capacity to 1,879, as it joins University Village Apartments and The QUAD. Built by Turner Construction Company and designed by Safdie Rabines Architects, North Commons offers single, double and triple occupancy bedrooms in a modern, glass-adorned building. Amenities are designed to encourage social interaction, including common areas, lounges and study spaces on every level, plus a large furnished lobby and meeting places on the ground floor.  

The two projects extend CSUSM’s longtime partnership with North City, with the parties having previously teamed up to build The QUAD and the university’s Extended Learning Building.  

“After several years in the planning stages together with our partners at CSUSM, North City looks forward to welcoming the first residents of North Commons for the fall semester,” said Gary Levitt, principal of Sea Breeze Properties. “We’ve worked collectively with CSUSM, Safdie Rabines Architects and Turner Construction to create a beautiful building that complements everything we have already built in North City, and importantly offers students inspired spaces for living, learning and creative exploration.”